A resilience group training program for people with multiple sclerosis: Results of a pilot single-blind randomized controlled trial and nested qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction An Australian case series study demonstrated the effectiveness of the REsilience and Activities for every DaY for people with multiple sclerosis (READY for MS), a resilience group training program based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in improving quality of life in people with MS. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Italian READY for MS program, and to preliminary assess its efficacy when compared to an active control intervention (group relaxation). Methods Single-blind phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) and nested qualitative study (ISRCTN registration number: 38971970). Health-related quality of life (primary study outcome), mood, resilience, psychological flexibility and its protective factors were measured at baseline, after seven, 12 and 24 weeks. READY participants completed the purpose-built satisfaction questionnaire after 12 weeks. After trial completion, the control group also received READY. One-to-one participant interviews were conducted within three months of finishing the READY groups. Results Four intervention groups were conducted with 39 participants (20 READY, 19 relaxation). Two patients (READY) withdrew before beginning the intervention due to unexpected work commitments. Feasibility and acceptability of READY were good, with high participant

Health Anxiety and Mental Health Outcome During COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Psychological Flexibility

“…Public health ACT-based interventions designed to strengthen psychological flexibility have been shown to promote mental health in a variety of populations using flexible modes of delivery in various contexts: university students via online delivery ( Viskovich and Pakenham, 2020 ), cancer patients via phone ( Hawkes et al, 2014 ), Sudanese refugees using audio-recorded stress-management workshops and a self-help book ( Tol et al, 2020 ), and health anxiety patients via group delivery ( Eilenberg et al, 2016 ). An advantage of psychological flexibility informed interventions is that they have been shown to cultivate skills that foster resilience in the context of health-related adversities, such as chronic disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Giovannetti et al, 2020 ; diabetes, Ryan et al, 2020 ), and to mediate the beneficial effects of these programs ( Pakenham et al, 2018 ).…”

The mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between Type D personality and self‐care behavior in patients with heart failure

“…Programs have been developed to improve resilience in previous studies, and the effects have been reported (Giovannetti et al, 2020; Lim & Han, 2013; Loprinzi, Prasad, Schroeder, & Sood, 2011). One of the programs to improve resilience consists of 12 weekly 2.5‐hr sessions.…”

“…The first seven weekly sessions consist of an introductory module, five main modules (mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, self‐as‐context, values and meaningful action), and a review module. The last five sessions provide a review of the program as a booster (Giovannetti et al, 2020). Another program consists of fostering effective communication skills, crisis management, coping methods, problem‐solving, and utilizing available resources for 5 weeks (Lim & Han, 2013).…”

Patient and Provider Insights into the Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Mental Health: A Narrative Review

“…As discussed in the previous section, people living with MS can obtain social supports through their personal networks, extended resources, or group therapy (Fig. 2 ), where patients find comfort in the fact that they are not alone in their mental health journey [ 105 – 107 ]. Medical care and social supports can be incorporated together at shared medical appointments, which show the capacity to improve both physical and psychological outcomes [ 108 ].…”